Sam gears up for the future

A young engineering apprentice is gearing up for the future after winning a national award.

Sam Needham (20) from the Rawmarsh depot was in the spotlight at the event at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester after winning the Outward Bound Centre award for Best Apprentice.

Sam, of Rawmarsh, is in the second year of his Body Technician apprenticeship. Stagecoach’s four-year programme offers apprenticeships in Mechanical, Body Repair or Electrical Engineering. The scheme involves a combination of residential and on-the-job training at a local depot. Engineering Director Joe Gilchrist said: “Engineers are the people who maintain our fleet of buses which underlines just how important the role is. “Stagecoach Yorkshire’s apprentices demonstrate our commitment to investing in the skilled labour force of the future. The scheme offers the young people involved the opportunity to learn practical skills firsthand - literally while on the shop floor.” Sam received his award alongside Barnsley apprentice Mark Shipley who has been set on full time by the firm. For more information about Stagecoach services visit www.stagecoachbus.com/yorkshire.